Heather Rafal

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Physicians & Surgeons, Podiatrists, Physicians & Surgeons, Physicians & Surgeons, Dermatology

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Map & DirectionsDirections1010 N Bancroft PkwyWilmington, DE 19805 Write a ReviewWrite Review

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Bancroft Village

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Rafal, Heather

Rafal Heather DPM

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Physicians & Surgeons, Podiatrists, Physicians & Surgeons, Physicians & Surgeons, Dermatology, Physicians & Surgeons, Family Medicine & General Practice, Physicians & Surgeons, Orthopedics, Physicians & Surgeons, Pediatrics, Physicians & Surgeons, Sports Medicine, Physicians & Surgeons, Surgery-General, Sports Medicine & Injuries Treatment

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Phone: (302) 658-1129

Address: 1010 N Bancroft Pkwy, Wilmington, DE 19805

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Heather Rafal

General Practitioners

Osteoporosis
Warts
Arthritis
RA has a much more acute onset than osteoarthritis. It is characterized by alternating periods of remission, during which symptoms disappear, and exacerbation, marked by the return of inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Serious joint deformity and loss of motion frequently result from acute rheumatoid arthritis. However, the disease system has been known to be active for months, or years, then abate, sometimes permanently.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes. In this condition, the fascia first becomes irritated and then inflamed—resulting in heel pain. The symptoms of plantar fasciitis are...
Cryotherapy
The foot and ankle surgeon may use topical or oral treatments, laser therapy, cryotherapy (freezing), or surgery to remove the wart.
Medical Weight Loss
Symptoms of hyperglycemia may include frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, tingling or numbness of the feet or hands, blurred vision, fatigue, slow-to-heal wounds and susceptibility to certain infections. People who have any of these symptoms and have not been tested for diabetes are putting themselves at considerable risk and should see a physician without delay.
Pediatric Care
Primary Care
Treatment: After confirming that blood pressure is elevated and making this information part of the patient's record, the DPM refers all patients with elevated blood pressure to their primary care physicians for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.
High Cholesterol
Emergency Care
The structure of your foot is complex, consisting of bones,muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Of the 26 bones in your foot, 19 are toe bones (phalanges) and metatarsal bones (the long bones in the midfoot). Fractures of the toe and metatarsal bones are common and require evaluation by a specialist. A podiatric foot and ankle surgeon should be seen for proper diagnosis and treatment, even if initial treatment has been received in an emergency room.
Diabetic Foot Care
Electrocardiogram
As with anyone facing any surgical procedure, those undergoing foot and ankle surgery require specific tests or examinations before surgery to obtain a successful surgical outcome. Prior to surgery, the podiatric surgeon will review your medical history and medical conditions. Specific diseases, illnesses, allergies, and current medications need to be evaluated. Other tests that help evaluate your health status that may be ordered by the podiatric physician include blood studies, urinalysis, EKG, X-rays, blood flow studies (to better evaluate the circulatory status of the foot/legs), and biomechanical examination.
Pneumonia

Urology
Cryosurgery is the specialized field of using extremely low temperatures to destroy pathological tissues. Cryosurgery is not a new concept in the elimination of pain. Hippocrates recognized the analgesic and anti inflammatory of ice on injuries in the year 430BC. In the past few decades, cryo-technology has been used in the treatment of malignant tumors of the prostrate, liver and other organs. Moreover, cryosurgery is gaining acceptance in dermatology, plastic surgery, urology, pain management and podiatry.

Neurology
The course of instruction leading to the DPM degree is four years in length. The first two years are largely devoted to classroom instruction and laboratory work in the basic medical sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and pathology. During the third and fourth years, students concentrate on courses in the clinical sciences, gaining practical experience in college and community clinics and accredited hospitals. Clinical courses include general diagnosis (history taking, physical examination, clinical laboratory procedures, and diagnostic radiology), therapeutics (pharmacology, physical medicine, orthotics, and prosthetics), surgery, dermatology, neurology, orthopedics, and anesthesia, among others.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs in the wrist. Both disorders arise from the compression of a nerve in a confined space.Although tarsal tunnel syndrome may not be as well known as carpal tunnel syndrome, it is nevertheless a cause of foot and ankle pain in adults.

Endocrinologist

Diabetes Care

Ultrasound
Often used to provide relief of the inflammation and from bunion pain. Ultrasound therapy is a popular technique for treating bunions and their associated soft tissue involvement.
MRI
Sometimes an MRI is ordered, usually if a mass is suspected or in cases where initial treatment does not reduce the symptoms. In addition, special studies used to evaluate nerve problems—electromyography and nerve conduction velocity (EMG/NCV)—may be ordered if the condition shows no improvement with non-surgical treatment.
Radiology
X-Rays
Computed Tomography
In evaluating your injury, the foot and ankle surgeon will take your history to learn more about the injury. He or she will examine the injured area, and may order x-rays, an MRI study, or a CT scan to help determine the severity of the injury.

Orthopedics
Wound Care
Extensive training in limb salvage, Charcotreconstructive surgery, deformity correctionand Ilizarov technique. Training in practice management including experience in billingand coding both in office and wound care setting
Pinched Nerve
A neuroma is a painful condition, also referred to as a “pinched nerve” or a nerve tumor. It is a benign growth of nerve tissue frequently found between the third and fourth toes that brings on pain, a burning sensation, tingling, or numbness between the toes and in the ball of the foot.
Ankle Surgery
Postoperative Use of Opioid Analgesic in Foot and Ankle Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Kim H, Brownell W, DuBois K, Kaikis A, McDonald A, Rossidis M, Malay DS. Scientific Research Poster accepted for presentation at the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons Scientific Meeting February 2019, New Orleans, LA *Third place, 2019 ACFAS Scientific Meeting
Joint Replacement
Bunions
Treatment options vary with the type and severity of each bunion, although identifying the deformity early in its development is important in avoiding surgery. Podiatric medical attention should be sought at the first indication of pain or discomfort because, left untreated, bunions tend to get larger and more painful, making nonsurgical treatment less of an option.
Heel Surgery
Based on the condition and the chronic nature of the disease, heel surgery can provide relief of pain and restore mobility in many cases. The type of procedure is based on examination and usually consists of plantar fascia release, with or without heel spur excision. There have been various modifications and surgical enhancements regarding surgery of the heel. Your podiatric physician will determine which method is best suited for you.
Ingrown Toenails
Trim toenails straight across, but not too short. Be careful not to cut nails in corners or on the sides; it can lead to ingrown toenails. Persons with diabetes, poor circulation, or heart problems should not treat their own feet because they are more prone to infection.
Reconstructive Surgery
Reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle consists of complex surgical repair(s) that may be necessary to regain function or stability, reduce pain, and/or prevent further deformity or disease. Unfortunately, there are many conditions or diseases that range from trauma to congenital defects that necessitate surgery of the foot and/or ankle. Reconstructive surgery in many of these cases may require any of the following: tendon repair/transfer, fusion of bone, joint implantation, bone grafting, skin or soft tissue repair, tumor excision, amputation and/or the osteotomy of bone (cutting of bones in a precise fashion). Bone screws, pins, wires, staples, and other fixation devices (both internal and external), and casts may be utilized to stabilize and repair bone in reconstructive procedures.

Plastic Surgeons

Plastic Surgery
Cosmetic Surgery

Dermatology
Corns
Commercial, over-the-counter preparations that remove warts or corns should be avoided because they can burn the skin and cause irreplaceable damage to the foot of a diabetic sufferer. Never try to cut calluses with a razor blade or any other instrument because the risk of cutting yourself is too high, and such wounds can often lead to more serious ulcers and lacerations. See your podiatric physician for assistance in these cases.
Cyst
Ulcer
A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that most commonly occurs on the bottom of the foot in approximately 15 percent of patients with diabetes. Of those who develop a foot ulcer, six percent will be hospitalized due to infection or other ulcer-related complication.
Calluses
Never cut corns and calluses with a razor, pocket knife, or other such instrument; use over-the-counter foot products only with the advice of a podiatrist.
Eczema
Not all fungus conditions are athlete's foot. Other conditions, such as disturbances of the sweat mechanism, reaction to dyes or adhesives in shoes, eczema, and psoriasis, may mimic athlete's foot.
Fungus
The fungus most commonly attacks the feet because shoes create a warm, dark, and humid environment which encourages fungus growth.
Lesions
It is also possible for a variety of more serious lesions to appear on the foot, including malignant lesions such as carcinomas and melanomas. Although rare, these conditions can sometimes be misidentified as a wart. It is wise to consult a podiatric physician when any suspicious growth or eruption is detected on the skin of the foot in order to ensure a correct diagnosis.
Rashes
Psoriasis
Toenails often serve as barometers of our health; they are diagnostic tools providing the initial signal of the presence or onset of systemic diseases. For example, the pitting of nails and increased nail thickness can be manifestations of psoriasis. Concavity—nails that are rounded inward instead of outward—can foretell iron deficiency anemia. Some nail problems can be conservatively treated with topical or oral medications while others require partial or total removal of the nail. Any discoloration or infection on or about the nail should be evaluated by a podiatric physician.

Physical Therapists

Sports Medicine
Physical Therapy
Early physical therapy. Your doctor will start you on a rehabilitation program as soon as possible to promote healing and increase your range of motion. This includes doing prescribed exercises.
Flatfoot Correction
Heel Pain
Ankle Sprain
A fracture is a partial or complete break in a bone. In the ankle, fractures can range from the less serious avulsion injuries (small pieces of bone that have been pulled off) to severe shattering-type breaks of the tibia, fibula, or both. Ankle fractures are common injuries that are most often caused by the ankle rolling inward or outward.Many people mistake an ankle fracture for an ankle sprain, but they are quite different and therefore require an accurate and early diagnosis. They sometimes occur simultaneously.
Back Pain
Orthotics and Prosthetic Therapy

General Podiatry
⚠ COVID-19 RESPONSE UPDATE: Face masks are optional in all Brandywine Podiatry offices until further notice. Diabetes Support Group Registration
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendon injuries can occur especially when the tendon is subjected to strong forces such as in velocity sports: running, soccer, basketball, tennis, and baseball. Additionally, aging, and the Achilles tendons poor blood supply also increases your chance of injury.
Ankle Instability
First, an untreated ankle sprain may lead to chronic ankle instability, a condition marked by persistent discomfort and a “giving way” of the ankle.You may also develop weakness in the leg.
Ankle Sprain
Second,you may have suffered a more severe ankle injury along with the sprain. This might include a serious bone fracture that could lead to troubling complications if it goes untreated.
Bunions Problems
A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe—the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint—that forms when the bone or tissue at the big toe joint moves out of place. This forces the toe to bend toward the others, causing an often painful lump of bone on the foot. Since this joint carries a lot of the body’s weight while walking, bunions can cause extreme pain if left untreated. The MTP joint itself may become stiff and sore, making even the wearing of shoes difficult or impossible. A bunion–from the Latin "bunio," meaning enlargement–can also occur on the outside of the foot along the little toe, where it is called a "bunionette" or "tailor’s bunion."
Calluses
Diabetic Foot Care
We have helped thousands of people cope with painful and often debilitating effects of conditions such as: Foot and Ankle Injuries, Bunions, Corns, Diabetic Foot Care, Heel Pain, Hammertoes, Nail Fungus and more.
Flat Feet
Hammertoes
A hammertoe deformity is a contracture of the toe(s), frequently caused by an imbalance in the tendon or joints of the toes. Due to the “buckling” effect of the toe(s), hammertoes may become painful secondary to footwear irritation and pressure. Corn and callus formation may occur as a hammertoe becomes more rigid over time, making it difficult to wear shoes. Your podiatric physician may suggest correction of this deformity through a surgical procedure to realign the toe(s).
Heel Spurs
A common cause of heel pain is the heel spur, a bony growth on the underside of the heel bone. The spur, visible by X-ray, appears as a protrusion that can extend forward as much as half an inch. When there is no indication of bone enlargement, the condition is sometimes referred to as "heel spur syndrome."
Heel Pain
Foot Pain
Ingrown Toenails
Never cut into the corners, or taper, which could trigger an ingrown toenail. Use an emery board to gently file away sharp corners or snags. If your nails are hard to trim, ask your podiatric physician for assistance.
Foot Injuries
Foot Orthotics
Foot orthotics fall into three broad categories: those that primarily attempt to change foot function, those that are primarily protective in nature, and those that combine functional control and protection.
Plantar Fasciitis
The most common cause of plantar fasciitis relates to faulty structure of the foot. For example, people who have problems with their arches— either overly flat feet or high-arched feet—are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis.
Podiatric Deformities
Orthotic devices are effective in the treatment of children with foot deformities. Most podiatric physicians recommend that children with such deformities be placed in orthotics soon after they start walking, to stabilize the foot. The devices can be placed directly into a standard shoe or an athletic shoe.
Podiatric Orthopedics
Podiatrists with certification in these areas have passed written and oral examinations and have demonstrated superior knowledge and experience in the specific specialty. The certification boards are the American Board of Podiatric Surgery (ABPS) and the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine (ABPOPPM).
Podiatric Surgery
When early treatments fail or the bunion progresses past the threshold for such options, podiatric surgery may become necessary to relieve pressure and repair the toe joint. Several surgical procedures are available to the podiatric physician. The surgery will remove the bony enlargement, restore the normal alignment of the toe joint, and relieve pain.

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